History is for Everyone

MA, USA

Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

Historic House

This Georgian mansion served as George Washington's headquarters during the Siege of Boston from July 1775 to April 1776. Built in 1759 for Loyalist John Vassal, the house was confiscated when he fled. Washington planned the Continental Army's operations here and celebrated his wedding anniversary with Martha in these rooms.

What Happened Here

Later the home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow for 45 years. The house contains original Washington-era artifacts alongside Longfellow family collections.

Visiting Today

Address

105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA

Hours

Wed-Sun 9:30am-5pm (seasonal)

Admission

Free

Accessibility

First floor accessible; upper floors via stairs only

Connected Events

Jul 1775
Washington Takes Command of Continental Army

George Washington, Artemas Ward, Martha Washington

Jul 1775
Siege of Boston Command Operations

George Washington, Charles Lee, Horatio Gates, Joseph Reed, Samuel Osgood, Martha Washington

Jul 1775
Longfellow House Becomes Washington's Headquarters

George Washington, Martha Washington, Joseph Reed

Aug 1775
Continental Army Supply Crisis

George Washington, Martha Washington

Oct 1775
Council of War Debates Attack on Boston

George Washington, Major General Nathanael Greene, Israel Putnam, Martha Washington

Nov 1775
Knox Proposes Fort Ticonderoga Artillery Mission

Henry Knox, George Washington, Martha Washington

Dec 1775
Martha Washington Arrives at Headquarters

Martha Washington, George Washington

Dec 1775
Enlistment Crisis and Army Reorganization

George Washington, Martha Washington